Funny what multiple sexual harassment accusations, awe-inspiring displays of foreign policy ignorance, and allegations of a 13-year extramarital affair will do to a presidential campaign.
The latest evidence of Herman Cain’s disintegrating prospects: An 8% showing of support in The Des Moines Register’s latest poll of the Iowa Republican caucuses. The survey was done by Selzer & Co., which conducts arguably the most respected polling of the state.
Cain’s single-digit support in Iowa is down from a first-place 23% showing in The Des Moines Register’s last poll, conducted in late October. Here are the overall numbers in TPM’s Poll Average:
The survey illustrates why Cain is tanking: 47% of respondents said Cain was the candidate most likely to have a scandal in the White House. And a 27% plurality said he was the least knowledgeable candidate.
In the wake of Atlanta businesswoman Ginger White’s allegation of an extended affair, Cain has said he is “reassessing” his campaign. The candidate says he will speak with his wife, and decide by next week whether to pack it in.
The Des Moines Register telephone poll of 401 likely Republican caucus-goers was conducted by Selzer & Co. from November 27th to the 30th. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9 percentage points. The Des Moines Register will publish a full summary of where all the candidates stand in the race on Saturday night. More detailed analysis and results will be published on Sunday.
